Ronen Bar

Criticism of new Shin Bet chief David Zini is more about Netanyahu - analysis

Maj.-Gen. David Zini’s nomination as Shin Bet chief has sparked debate, with critics arguing concerns focus more on Netanyahu’s motives than Zini’s record.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Designated head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) director David Zini seen with Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after completing their beret march, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.

Netanyahu submits proposal of Zini as next Shin Bet chief to Senior Appt.'s Advisory C'tee

President Isaac Herzog addressed the October Council's conference in Tel Aviv, September 7, 2025.

Herzog calls for urgent state inquiry into October 7 attacks at October Council conf.

 Israeli attorney general Gali Baharav Miara attends a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee leads a committee meeting in the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on April 27, 2025.

Judges grant gov’t, A-G until Tuesday for responses on Zini appointment


Gov't, A-G have until Sunday to compromise on new Shin Bet head Zini's appointment

The judges intended to clarify whether to uphold, change, or reject an advisory opinion based on the AG's opinion regarding Netanyahu's potential conflict of interest in hiring Zini.

 Supreme court president Yitzhak Amit attends a court hearing on petitions concerning the manner of appointing the head of the Shin Bet, at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem. July 1, 2025.

Netanyahu: Delaying Zini appointment as Shin Bet chief is ‘disconnected’ from national needs

Then-Shin Bet head Ronen Bar’s resignation came into effect on June 15, enabling Netanyahu to appoint Bar’s deputy, known as “S”, as interim Shin-Bet head for one month.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

'S' takes over as acting Shin Bet chief from Ronen Bar

Bar, who picked S. as his deputy in January, said he had tremendous confidence in S. to run the agency.

 Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar at Israel's Remembrance Day ceremony, 30 April 2025

Who is 'S', new acting Shin Bet chief replacing Ronen Bar? - explainer

"S" was on a first-round short list for potential appointment by Netanyahu, but did not make a second-round short list.

(L-R) Shin Bet director Ronen Bar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Netanyahu's office: Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar's deputy to enter interim role on Sunday

The deputy chief will fill this role until the completion of Major-General David Zini's appointment process, or within a month, whichever comes first.

 Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar attends a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. April 23, 2025.

Israel at War day 609: What's happening in Israel and Gaza?

GHF says aid distribution carried out peacefully • IDF hits Hezbollah drone assembly • Iran orders missile fuel from China

 IDF troops operate in Khan Yunis, in Gaza, June 3, 2025.

Tug of war: Netanyahu and High Court gamble with Israel's future over Shin Bet head - opinion

The dangerous flirtation of Israeli public leaders with the horrifying prospect of disobeying a High Court ruling, which will likely result in the dissolution of Israeli society.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Gali Baharav-Miara attends a Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee meeting in April. She says that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to advance the appointment of Maj.-Gen. David Zini as head of the Shin Bet is invalid and illegal.

Maj.-Gen. Zini's appt as Shin Bet head undermines IDF Chief of Staff Zamir's status - analysis

If Zini’s appointment proceeds, it is likely that it will damage professional ties between him and Zamir.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

'I am against hostage deals,' Netanyahu's Shin Bet chief pick says - report

The remarks, reportedly made during closed meetings at the General Staff, have sparked concern among hostage families and added to existing criticism regarding his suitability for the post.

Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza and supporters attend a protest calling for their release, outside the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem on April 7, 2025.

Netanyahu justifies Shin Bet head appt, says Zini will not be involved in 'Qatargate' probe

The statement said that a permanent successor to Bar must be appointed by the time Bar's term ends on June 15.


Netanyahu's office publishes excerpts of pre-Oct. 7 Maj.-Gen. Zini report on IDF preparedness

“[...] In almost every sector, a surprise raid on our forces could succeed, undermining the rule ‘we will be surprised but not defeated.’"

 Maj.-Gen. David Zini attends a ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem, July 8, 2024